Hurricane Season: Secure Your Peace of Mind

Hurricane season is here, and with predictions of 17-25 named storms this year, it’s crucial to be prepared. Hurricanes can bring intense winds, heavy rains, and devastating storm surges, all of which pose significant threats to life and property. Early planning and knowledge can make all the difference when a storm approaches. This comprehensive guide will help you ensure that you, your family, and your home are ready for whatever comes your way.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

To be fully prepared, ensure you have all the essential supplies:

Food:

• 7-day supply of non-perishables per person
• Manual can opener
• Disposable plates, cups, utensils, napkins or paper towels
• Cookware to boil water, propane tanks

Water:

• Three gallons per person, per day (5-day supply recommended)

First Aid:

• Fully stocked first aid kit
• Additional prescriptions or essential medicine
• Sunscreen, insect repellent
• Extra cash, fire extinguisher

Lighting and Tools:

• Flashlights, extra batteries, utility lighter
• Wrench, pliers, large light source (lantern)

Communication:

• Battery-powered AM/FM radio, NOAA hazard-alert radio
• Car or emergency charger for mobile devices
• Cell phone, small notepads, and pencils
• Games and activities, whistle

Baby Needs:

• Two-week supply of formula, diapers, wipes

Pet Needs:

• One week of food and water, leash, crate or carrier, medications
• Vet’s contact information, waste bags, photo of you with your pet

Transportation and Sanitation:

• Maps, directions to shelters, spare tire, tire patch kit
• Roadside flares or triangles
• Trash bags, disinfectant wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, spare clothes, blankets

Family Plan and Home Security

Preparation begins with a detailed family plan and securing your home. Identify multiple evacuation routes to a safe location, and ensure every family member is familiar with them. Practice these routes to avoid last-minute panic. Share a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and local services, and designate an out-of-town relative to act as a communication point if local lines are down. Make special considerations for children and elderly family members. Each family member should have a go-bag packed with essentials like medications and important documents, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Securing your home is equally important. Inspect and repair loose shingles, gutters, and fencing, and install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. Bring in or secure outdoor items to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Additionally, ensure your homeowners’ insurance covers wind and water damage for peace of mind.

As you finalize your family plan and secure your home, it’s equally essential to familiarize yourself with key hurricane terminology. Understanding these terms can help you respond more effectively to warnings and advisories, ensuring you take the right actions at the right times.

Key Glossary of Hurricane Terms

• Hurricane Watch: Issued 48 hours in advance of possible hurricane-force winds.
• Hurricane Warning: Issued 36 hours in advance of expected hurricane-force winds.
• Storm Surge: Abnormal rise in sea level due to a hurricane.
• Flash Flood: Rapid flooding usually caused by heavy rainfall.
• Evacuation Order: An official directive to leave an area for safety.
• Landfall: The point where the eye of the hurricane meets the coastline.
• NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, which provides weather forecasts and warnings.

A standby generator is a crucial addition to your preparations. Unlike portable generators that require manual setup and refueling, a standby generator is permanently installed and connected directly to your home’s electrical system. In the event of a power outage, it automatically activates within 12 seconds, ensuring a seamless transition to backup power. These generators can run continuously for days, fueled by natural gas or propane, providing uninterrupted power to essential appliances such as refrigerators, HVAC systems, and medical devices. This reliability ensures that your home remains functional and comfortable, even during prolonged power outages, significantly enhancing your family’s safety and well-being during a hurricane.

Being well-prepared can make a significant difference in weathering a hurricane safely. Ensure you and your family follow these guidelines and remain vigilant throughout the hurricane season. For reliable standby power solutions and further advice, visit GeneratorSupercenter.com/tips-to-prepare-for-a-hurricane/ or call us at 866-516-7199.

Stay safe and be prepared!